10 Free Ways to Level Up Your Life
I know what you’re thinking- to up level sounds fancy. Sounds like it will cost money, and honestly, right now, maybe you’re not feeling like you want to spend money doing something that isn’t required. But I promise you, it doesn’t need to be expensive or fancy. Here are 10 FREE Ways to Up Level Your Life with $0, just a little effort and you’re all set, how good does that sound?!! 😊
ACTIVATE aka GET INTERESTED by diving all in and really learning about something. From the book “The Magic of Thinking BIG,” by David J, Schwartz, PH.D, the key to generating enthusiam about a subject is to learn about it. He gives the example of bumble bees. Knowing nothing about bees, you’re probably pretty unethusiastic about them, but when you start to learn what they do, how they live with other bees, how they reproduce, where they live in winter, how they build their hives, you’ll probably find yourself absolutely fascintated by them. Uninterested people are boring, curious people are exciting. If you’re over your job and you’re a manager, read a book about managing others, I promise you’ll find it so interesting and you’ll go into work on Monday with a new pep. Learn about something new this weekend and be amazed how much more interested AND interesting you feel.
WORK ON YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION. First impressions matter, and it’s not a bad thing that they do. They matter because our primal brain likes to size our environment up in a jiffy and come to a decision whether this human before us is a friend or foe. In modern age, it’s not usually quite that drastic, but we are still searching to see if this person should be trusted and is credible. So get your handshake (NO ONE like a wet noodle) and greeting right (I’m a fan of, “It’s lovely to meet you”), know what to say when someone asks what you do (make sure it’s with confidence and pride), and have a go-to question that you can ask them (one that you’re actually curious about, people can sniff out inauthenticity a mile away). Having those few actions squared away will instantly lift your confidence, and make meeting people way less awkward for you, and them.
READ UP ON ETIQUETTE. I’m serious. You don’t need to memorize Emily Post here, but read how to hold your wine glass, how to address invitations, which fork to use, the proper way to eat soup. Not only is it super interesting, but it’s that extra something that sets one apart from the masses. You will be much more comfortable in formal settings, or at important functions, or when you meet your boyfriend’s mom who happens to be from the Victorian era (am I really the only one here with that situation?! LOL) , when you know the basics.
GRATITUDE. Practice it. One of my best friends does a gratitude practice every night with her children as she’s putting them to bed. The things those kids come up with is adorable, precious and SO easy. When you ask an adult, most of the time we have to think about it, and sometimes we can’t come up with anything. Don’t be that person, recognize your life and the many wonderful gifts in it. We get more of what we concentrate on, so bring on the goodness!
APPRECIATION. Appreciate others. Do it NOW. Do it often. Do it by text, by phone, by email, by sending an old-fashioned note. Let the people in your life know you are appreciative of them for who they are and what they do for you. It can be appreciation to your team, your parents, your neighbors, your friends, the person at the gas station that always has a smiles and makes your day. Get into the habit of appreciating people daily and reap the benefits of how it makes you feel like a stellar person too.
VOLUNTEER. ‘Nuff said.
INTRODUCE YOURSELF FIRST. Be the person that makes others feel at ease AND important. It’s so awkward when you’re waiting for an elevator and you’re trying not to look at the other person. SAY HELLO, make some small talk. You’ll never know what kinds of connections you can establish when you start making connections everywhere. Get into the habit of this and watch how your self-esteem rises with every interaction.
GET A SOCIAL LIFE. Make a friend, get out of your apartment. Don’t be that creepy weird person trying to make a date with the person you just met in the above mentioned elevator, but if you have friends, organize a meet-up. If you need friends join a facebook hiking group or meetup.com and go to the events that interest you. Humans need connection and we thrive on companionship, you don’t need to have adult sleepovers if that’s not your thing (I personally LOVE it), but get some stuff on your calendar to look forward to and your spirit will thank you!
GO TO YOUR LIBRARY. I love going to my library. There is always really great stuff happening there. It’s a great spot to see what’s happening in your community and ways to become involved, it’s a totally FREE place to check out magazines or books to further your learning on a hobby. Libraries offer amazing services and are home to really interesting people.
TIDY UP. Calling upon Marie Kondo here (if you haven’t read “The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up” yet-you NEED to) to support in tidying all things HOME and CAR. Spend a weekend of clearing out and donating what you don’t use anymore, throw garbage in the trash and feel how much lighter you feel when you lose that dead weight. Your mind-grapes will thank you!
So, there you have it- my 10 Free Ways to Level Up your life. Try one, or try them all. I’d love to know how it works out for you!
If you’re ready to Level Up Your Life even more, let’s book a consult call to see if The Freedom Sessions are the right fit for you.
Interested? Email hello@thefreedom-sessions.com to set up your FREE consult today!
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